The anaesthetic management of a lemur (Prolemur simus) undergoing craniotomy for brain tumour resection

A nine-year-old greater bamboo lemur ( Prolemur simus ) was presented for the resection of a 3×2 cm occipital brain tumour. Intracranial surgery has not been previously reported in lemurs. Pain management, maintenance of an adequate perfusion pressure in the CNS, maintenance of autoregulation, provision of neuroprotection and prevention of the complications induced by the surgical technique (positioning, haemorrhage, seizures, etc) are the challenges associated to this surgery in domestic animals. The management of anaesthesia for such a condition in a wild animal is even more challenging. This report illustrates how difficult the management of anaesthesia is in a wild animal undergoing a procedure that requires intensive care and restraint, while published information on anaesthesia and critical care in this species is limited.